WICKET for Australia and it's a wrap! Nathan Lyon stikes as Mohammed Siraj departs. DRS taken by India but it's three reds. 

Scott Boland with another wicket as Jasprit Bumrah edges a delivery into the hands of a slip fielder. Australia only one wicket shy as India have their backs against the wall.

IND 154/9 (78.3 overs)

Akash Deep unhappy as the snicko meter showed a late spike, after the ball passed the edge of the bat. But, no deflection this time. Another decision against India as Akash Deep loses his wicket.

Washigton Sundar, who has already faced over 30 balls in the innings, has to ensure he keeps strike for the most part of the remaining play. Australia have all of their fielders in the circle, with 7 surrounding the bat at the moment. 

IND 150/7 (76 overs)

With Australia only needing 3 wickets, Akash Deep becomes their bowlers' prime target. There still remain 18 overs to go in the game. Nervy times ahead!

IND 143/7 (74 overs)

Here's a look at the Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissal:

"They can make of it what they like. That clearly hit the glove."
"As far as I'm concerned, there's no argument whatsoever."
- Ricky Ponting on the Jaiswal wicket #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/IWcJKHBbzV

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 30, 2024

Jaiswal goes for the pull shot and a noise his heard before the ball lands into the hands of the wicket-keeper Alex Carey. The umpire says not-out but Australia take DRS. No sound on the Snicko meter, yet the third umpire from Bangladesh decides to give the decision in the bowling side's favour. Big controversy unfolding at MCG. Yashasvi Jaiswal is furious with the call.

IND 140/7 (70.5 overs)

As Australia search for the 7th Indian wicket, Pat Cummins brings himself back into the attack. Fortunately for India, Cummins finds Jaiswal at the striker's end. 6 dot balls as Cummins produces a maiden over.

IND 138/6 (69 overs)

Yashasvi Jaiswal still showing why he is considered the next big thing in Indian cricket. A boundary in a tough situation takes him into 80s. India still have some fight left.

IND 138/6 (67 overs)

Washington Sundar needs to do what he did in the first innings as Australia fight their way back into the game. Rishabh Pant's dismissal seems to have triggered India's middle-order collapse. There remain 26 overs to go before the day ends. Can India hang on?

IND 132/6 (66 overs)

WICKET AGAIN! Nitish Reddy lasts for just 5 balls, scoring 1 run as Nathan Lyon gets his first wicket of the innings. India, 6 down, now staring at a defeat at MCG.

WICKET! Scott Boland returns to attack, especially to test Ravindra Jadeja, and gets the better of Ravindra Jadeja. A bouncer for the left-hander and Jadeja edges the delivery into the hands of the wicket-keeper.

Still no pace attack from Australia, despite Ravindra Jadeja's arrival on the pitch. Carey, Labuschagne and Konstas looking to unnerve Jadeja with their constant chirping. Jadeja holding on at the moment.

IND 126/4 (62 overs)

WICKET! A big blow to the Indian team as Rishabh Pant loses his patience yet again. The wicket-keeper batter went for a big one at the deep long-on boundary but found the safe hands of Mitchell Marsh. Travis Head with the wicket.

Sam Konstas seemed to be getting under Yashasvi Jaiswal's nerves while fielding at silly point. The India opener was heard saying "do your job" after getting frustrated by the Aussie youngster's chirps. The heat is increasing in the middle.

IND 120/3 (58 overs)

With Travis Head from one end and Nathan Lyon from the other, Australia opt for an all-spin attack in the final session. Still no rush from the Indian duo as the tourists look to have settled for a draw. The first hour might settle where this match is heading. Required rate has gone over 6 now.

IND 116/3 (56 overs)

With Travis Head from one end and Nathan Lyon from the other, Australia opt for an all-spin attack in the final session. Still no rush from the Indian duo as the tourists look to have settled for a draw. The first hour might settle where this match is heading.

IND 116/3 (56 overs)

Quite an unexpected move from Pat Cummins to make Travis Head bowl the first over of the final session of the day. The commentators were expecting the Aussie skipper to bring himself in the attack to start the post-Tea session. A strange call.

Another strange move by Pat Cummins as Marnus Labuschagne is introduced into attack. At the speed of 120-125kmph, Lauschagne tries to bowl a few bouncers to Rishabh Pant. No help though. It's TEA.

IND 112/3 (54 overs)

We are on the cusp of the end of the second session and the Pant-Jaiswal pairing has remained unscathed. This is the way India need to continue if a draw is to be secured. Win, with about 5.50 runs needed to be scored in the remaining overs today, looks out of picture at the moment.

IND 107/3 (52 overs)

A strange move from Australia as part-timer Travis Head comes out to bowl. Meanwhile, India are past the 100-run mark, with Jaiswal and Pant's partnership the biggest contributor to the total. 

IND 102/3 (49 overs)

Rishabh Pant taking some painful blows on the body, pulling off a Cheteshwar Pujara-styled performance for India. The wicket-keeper batter copped a painful blow on the shoulder through a Pat Cummins bouncer. But, this is what the need of the hour is. The asking run-rate has gone up to 5.50 now. Doesn't look like India are going for the win now. 

IND 99/3 (48 overs)

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant partnership blossoming as Australia skipper Pat Cummins looks frustrated with the lack of breakthrough. Nathan Lyon continues to attack from one end but he hasn't had much success yet. 

IND 97/3 (46 overs)

The required run-rate remains around 4.50 as India near 100-run mark. The target of 340 is still quite far, though it isn't certain if India would even look to chase that down. Pat Cummins fulfilling the same role Jasprit Bumrah did yesterday, bowling the most, from different ends, as Australia search for the 4th Indian wicket.

IND 93/3 (43 overs)

A brilliant fighting knock from Yashasvi Jaiswal as he reaches his half-century with a four. Jaiswal missed out on a ton in the first inning after an unfortunate run-out. There's time for him to convert this into a big one today.

Back-to-back half-centuries for Yashasvi Jaiswal!#AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/Vqr1VqMp2C

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024

Into the 40s, Jaiswal getting a little itchy to score quick runs. He tries an aggressive square-cut against Pat Cummins but the ball just misses the edge of his bat. Cummins still the Australia bowler asking the most number of questions. 

IND 78/3 (39 overs)

Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins into the attack as Jaiswal-Pant begin to form a promising partnership. Jaiswal has entered 40s while Pant is also looking settled in the middle. India need this partnership to prosper. 

IND 77/3 (37 overs)

Mitchell Starc looks to unsettle the Indian duo by switching the bails at the non-striker's end again. Rishabh Pant, who was at the non-striker's end, decided to not change them again. Instead, he had a small chat with his partner Yashasvi Jaiswal.

IND 65/3 (35 overs)

The bail-switch episodes continue in Australia. Mitchell Starc swapped the two bails at the non-striker's end but Yashasvi Jaiswal changed it again, leaving the commentators in splits. The superstitions continue at MCG.

The bail-switching antics are back! This time between Mitchell Starc and Yashasvi Jaiswal #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/oK8xkSd4qI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024

Australia make their first DRS use of the innings after Mitchell Starc hit Yashasvi Jaiswal on the back pad, in front of the stumps. The on-field umpire shakes his head, giving the the decision in the favour of the batting side. That's Umpire's Call, helping Jaiswal remain in the middle. 

Another boundary for Yashasvi Jaiswal as Scott Boland offers width. Rishabh Pant also gets into his groove early, smashes a boundary at the deep mid-wicket area, showing his customary swag. But, is this really the time to hit such shots?

IND 50/3 (30 overs)

A boundary after quite a while for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Brilliant late cut to find the boundary. Another similar delivery from Scott Boland and the result is the same, four runs again. 8 runs from the over.

IND 41/3 (28 overs)

No change in India's batting order, with Rishabh Pant joining another left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal in the middle. These two need to bat for hours, if India are to get a draw here today!

It is going to take some effort if India are to save this Test from here. Victory seems all but out of question already. The likes of Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, etc. have a big task ahead. Remember, India's World Test Championship final hopes also depend on a positive result here today.

Irfan Pathan isn't happy seeing Virat Kohli throw his wicket away. In the Lunch break, he severely criticised the India superstar.
"You are pulling your own expectations down, fans' expectations down. Even a domestic bowler knows what line you should bowl to Virat Kohli. He himself said that he knows what he has been doing wrong, that he hasn't shown the discipline required," Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

WICKET! Virat Kohli goes on the hunt to chase a outside-off delivery again and ends up getting caught in the slips. India in big trouble as Pat Cummins strikes.

Australia introduce spin for the first time in this innings as Nathan Lyon joins the attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored just one run since KL Rahul has been dismissed. The approach from India seems clear, as they prefer keeping wickets in hand over chasing the asking rate.

IND 33/2 (26 overs)

Virat Kohli literally not touching any delivery that is bowled outside the off-stump. He also gets hit on the body on one or two occasions when the length from Mitchell Starc was a little short. Clear intent from Virat but India still need 309 runs to win.

IND 31/2 (25 overs)

There just doesn't seem to be an intent from India to win this match at the moment. Both Jaiswal and Kohli progressing at snarling speed, hoping to keep as many wickets in hand as possible. Looks like the match would either end in a draw or Australia's win.

IND 30/2 (23 overs)

Virat Kohli off the mark with a single as India put an end to Australia's streak of bowling three maidens in a row. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has set an unwanted record of being dismissed by a skipper for the most number of times in Test cricket.

Captain dismissing an opposition captain most times in Tests:

6 Rohit Sharma by Pat Cummins

5 Ted Dexter by Richie Benaud

5 Sunil Gavaskar by Imran Khan

4 Gulabrai Ramchand by Richie Benaud

4 Clive Lloyd by Kapil Dev

4 Peter May by Richie Benaud

IND 28/2 (21 overs)

Pat Cummins vs Rohit Sharma has been a one-sided battle this time, with the Australia skipper emerging victorious every single time. Here's a look at some figures:

WICKET! India in big trouble as KL Rahul departs early too. A double-wicket maiden for Australia skipper Pat Cummins. The tables have turned, after India seemed to have gotten off to a fine start. Virat Kohli walks out to loud boos at the MCG.

WICKET! Lose shot from Rohit Sharma and he ends up giving his wicket away. After such a disciplined performance, the India skipper lets his instincts get the better of him. India one down!

Flow of runs reduces as Rohit and Jaiswal continue with the same defensive mindset. The required run-rate has now gone over 4 runs per over. If India continue down this path, draw would look like the most-likely result. 

IND 22/0 (15 overs)

Pat Cummins and Scott Boland continue to ask questions but Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have shown exemplary patience to deal with Aussie pacers. Though the asking run-rate has continued to increase, neither of the two Indian batters have looked to come out of their shell and play attacking shots. A classic Test match unfolding at MCG.

IND 21/0 (13 overs)

Cummins replaces Starc to bowl from the other end of the pitch. Rohit executes his first drive of the day, though a brilliant fielding effort prevented the ball from reaching the boundary. Quite a confident start from the India skipper, with much better clarity than seen in the previous outings. 

IND 19/0 (11 overs)

Scott Boland comes in as the first-change bowler for Australia. He delivers a maiden as Rohit Sharma continues his disciplined approach. Mitchell Starc continues from the other end of the pitch. 

IND 16/0 (9 overs)

Yashasvi Jaiswal not hesitating in taking quick singles despite what happened in the first innings. The approach from him and Rohit Sharma has been on-point so far, where neither of them is trying to touch the outside-off deliveries. 

IND 12/0 (7 overs)

An intriguing battle unfolding between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mitchell Starc in the middle, with the Australian pacer beating the India opener time and again. Jaiswal finishes off the 5th over with a boundary to Starc straight down the ground. Jaiswal needs a few more of such shots to regain the confidence which seems to be struggling at the moment. 

IND 6/0 (5 overs)

Repeated play and miss for Yashasvi Jaiswal as Mitchell Starc gets the ball to swing both ways. An under-confident start by the India youngster. Starc troubles Jaiswal but that edge of the bat somehow manages to keep Jaiswal on the pitch. 

IND 2/0 (3 overs)

Twice the ball edged Rohit Sharma's bat and on both occasions, it fell just short of a fielder in slips. The India captain riding his luck early in the game. But, the signs aren't promising for India.

Most balls left as Yashasvi Jaiswal looked to play Mitchell Starc with caution. Just one run to India's name in the first over. Pat Cummins joins Starc in attack early in the game. 

Here's a look at Japrit Bumrah's ripper that shattered Nathan Lyon's stumps, bowling Australia out.

Jasprit Bumrah's fifth wicket was an absolute belter! #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/vfDI5gEN3n

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024

WICKET! Who else would it be? Jasprit Bumrah claims his 5th wicket of the innings as Australia get bowled out for 234 runs. India need 340 runs to win this mach and keep the World Test Championship final hopes alive.

Mohammed Siraj is the first bowler on the day. A boundary on the 2nd delivery of Siraj's over kicks off the day. Edged and it beats the third slip fielder. Runs start to flow early on Day 5.

Sunil Gavaskar has had his close look at the pitch on Day 5. He feels India can go on and chase down a target of around 340 runs on the wicket as there's absolutely no grass left. If Indian batters show patience, they surely can turn the 4th Test into a victory.

We have live visuals from the MCG and the start of the 5th day's play isn't too far now. Nathan Lyon, batting on 41, isn't too far from reaching his half-century. He would be keen to do so while Akash Deep is likely to begin India's attack with the ball. Stay tuned for live updates.

It looked like India had the match in their grip when 6 Australia batters were sent packing for just 91 runs. Be it a string of dropped catches or just pacers running out of steam, a lot went wrong for India from there on, which enabled Australia to make their way back into the game. Will these mistakes cost the tourists?

With South Africa beating Pakistan to confirm their progression to the ICC World Test Championship final, only one of India and Australia can go through. At the moment, Australia have the right to keep their hopes high of playing in the final. India need to go for the win if they are to play in the WTC final next year. 

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Day 5 of the 4th Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. The play is scheduled to start half-an-hour early today as well, with about 98 overs expected to be bowled. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrated India with their batting at the end of Day 4 and they would look to add a few more runs to the total today. But, all three results still remain possible in the match, though the longer Australia bat, the fewer India's victory chances would get.